"WALLINGFORD — The Town Council wants to strengthen local littering laws to impose fines on people who dump household or commercial garbage into public trash receptacles. The Town Council voted unanimously at an ordinance committee Thursday to advance to a vote of the full council changes to the town’s littering ordinance ... The council also discussed the proposed ordinance changes at an ordinance committee meeting in December. Councilor Craig Fishbein asked during the meeting who was empowered to go through trash bags dumped in town receptacles to identify the person. Town Corporation Counsel Janis M. Small replied that once the trash was deposited, it belongs to the town. Public Works would ask the police to go through the trash, unless someone else was designated."
GREAT DAY for Door Knocking!
What a GREAT DAY for campaign door knocking with Caroline Raynis for BOE! Another 135 doors, and four new sign locations! Saw lots of friends in our travels! #GreatStuff #FishbeinForCouncil #CarolineRaynisForBOE #WallingfordCT #NovemberElection
More Doors!
Another GREAT DAY door knocking with Caroline Raynis for BOE. We hit 181 doors, and got EIGHT new sign locations! Isn’t her sign AWESOME? (If you want one for your lawn, please send her a PM on her account.) We also met up with Wallingford’s own Frank Apuzzo! Always great to see him! #GreatStuff #FishbeinForCouncil #CarolineRaynisForBOE #WallingfordCT #NovemberElection
Record Journal: "Risk manager absent for talk on condition, safety of town facilities in Wallingford"
“In response to the things we saw, I did submit an agenda item for tonight with the expectation of talking to Mr. Treiber, who I guess is the most qualified individual since he is the only playground safety certified person in the town,” Town Councilor Craig Fishbein said. “I thought that was the responsible thing to do.” “I know if I had seen that stuff, I probably would have said, ‘Hey, can you check this stuff out,’” Fishbein said.
Door! Doors! DOORS!
Yes. It was hot and sticky today. However, not too much for door knocking. Door! Doors! Doors! 100 doors knocked this afternoon, and six, YES SIX new sign locations too! Got to meet up with some longtime loyal supporters as well. Another great day on the campaign trail. #GreatStuff #FishbeinForCouncil #WallingfordCT #NovemberElection
MORE DOORS! (This time with a guest!)
Today, another 132 doors knocked! And, I was accompanied on the campaign trail by Caroline Raynis, who is running for a seat on the Wallingford Board of Education! You can visit her Facebook Page HERE. We met a lot of great people today, EXCITED to vote for us in November! #GreatStuff #FishbeinForCouncil #RaynisForBOE #WallingfordCT #NovemberElection
Another GREAT afternoon of door knocking!
Another GREAT afternoon of knocking doors! 182 today, and FIVE new sign locations! #GreatStuff #FishbeinForCouncil #WallingfordCT #NovemberElection
GREAT afternoon of door knocking!
GREAT afternoon of door knocking today! 158 doors knocked, two new sign locations, and as a bonus, I got to see Elizabeth Lechowicz in my travels! #GreatStuff #FishbeinForCouncil #WallingfordCT #NovemberElection
Record Journal:"At a crossroads"
From the Record Journal Newspaper - 8/31/2023
(BTW, a link to the POCD plan referenced therein is currently housed here https://www.wallingfordct.gov/customer-content/www/CMS/files/PZPOCDFinAdoptedPlan61316.pdf on the town's website.)
Record Journal: "Wallingford pension recipients will receive increase of 3%"
"The council unanimously approved the increase last week after a discussion that included Councilor Craig Fishbein’s motion to increase that to 4%. No one seconded the motion so the rate remained at 3%."
Record Journal: "Building Maintenance Committee details several issues in first report to Wallingford Town Council"’
"The committee, formed earlier this year, gave the council its first report on the inspections it has done and what they found. In some cases, it was difficult to stick to the charge of the committee because of the emotions felt seeing some of the conditions, committee Chairman Jason Michaels said. 'We as a committee consistently remind ourselves to stick to our charge. It’s a difficult thing to do, inspecting some of the properties,' Michaels said."
“'Somebody has to take the major things and direct somebody to do them,' Councilor Craig Fishbein said."
News about the Town of Wallingford's upcoming MUNICIPAL CAREER NIGHT.
Add your news summary here.
Record Journal: "Wallingford Council again votes to put Community Pool project out to bid"
"'We've got the plans, we're ready to go, let's put them out to bid,' Councilor Craig Fishbein said. The council also could make a second motion to determine the cost of rehabbing the facility rather than replacing it, Fishbein said. 'That way we have two things going on,' he said. 'I'm in support, but I'm not in support of continued frustration.'"
Record Journal: "Thanks for the support"
Editor:
This past week, I was endorsed by the Republicans of Wallingford to run, once again, for a seat on the Wallingford Town Council. I thank them for that. Thank you also to Tom Corrigan and Chris Shortell for your nominating speeches. I am truly blessed to have such fine, upstanding Wallingford citizens publicly support my re-election campaign.
It continues to be an honor to serve on the Wallingford Town Council. I need not inform most that with this next election, Wallingford is at a crossroads. There are a lot of things to be addressed: efficient use of technology; Community Pool; safety at, and desirability of our parks; education scores; and high school configuration, just to name a few. There will be many grandiose ideas floated during the campaign. Many without a pricetag. Many that already could have been addressed incrementally – lessening the tax burden. In the wake of these new ideas and expenditures, the fight for smaller government, lower taxes, and less interference in the day-to-day affairs of our law-abiding citizens will become more challenging. Over my seven terms on the Town Council I have fought for these principles, and will continue to do so.
Thank you to the Record Journal for your support of my prior campaigns. Last and yet certainly not in the least, a heartfelt thank you to the citizens of Wallingford. Your support and comments of encouragement are the fuel that drives the engine – an engine that continues to strive for the above principles, even when faced with what (at times) seems like an insurmountable wall of adversity.
I hope that you and your readers find my track record of service to be acceptable, and see fit to a continuation of support by re-electing me to the Wallingford Town Council in November. For more information: www.fishbeinforcouncil.com .
Craig C. Fishbein
Wallingford, CT
Record Journal: "Parties set to caucus in Wallingford, primaries expected for bid to succeed Dickinson"
"There had been rumors that Republican Town Councilor Craig Fishbein, who also is a state representative, was considering a run for mayor. But Fishbein confirmed late last week that he will be seeking re-election to the council.
"'Since 2010 I have proudly served on the Wallingford Town Council. Throughout my seven consecutive terms there, and four in the state legislature, I have fought for smaller government, lower taxes, and less interference in the day-to-day affairs of our law-abiding citizens,' he said in a statement Friday."
"'With the next mayoral administration, Wallingford voters will tell the world if they are comfortable with the past, satisfied with a tweak; or looking for a different direction. To many, both paths are scary, and in the wake, will look for stability,' he said." "'With that in mind, I think it best that, at this time, I run for re-election to the Wallingford Town Council. If re-elected, I will be the longest continuously serving member,' he continued." 'I believe that my fundamental principles, combined with the institutional knowledge that flows from tenure are the type of stability most of the voting public will seek in the face of the upcoming uncertainty. Here’s hoping my belief comes to fruition.'"
Record Journal: "State easement across linear trail needed for bridge project in Wallingford"
"You can't always take the state at its word, Fishbein said, citing a train project that was supposed to result is quieter horns."
'Unfortunately many times you get representations from the state,' Fishbein said. 'For example the train horn - they said you won't hear it. Now I can hear it across town. So I don't believe half of what they tell us.'
"Dickinson said the state never said there would be no noise from the trains, but that the noise would be reduced."
'I could never hear the train at my house until after they redid it,' Fishbein said."
Record Journal: "Wallingford council approves purchase of park security cameras using ARPA funds"
"Councilor Craig Fishbein said he thinks this may be the beginning of what could end with cameras in all town parks. 'I’m a little concerned because we have many parks in our town. Doolittle isn’t the only park with problems,' he said. 'So I foresee sometime in the near future we are going to be talking about cameras at many of our parks.' Police Chief John Ventura said Fishbein could be right. 'That’s a very strong possibility,' he said."
Record Journal: "Public concern over one Wallingford high school gives councilors pause"
"...the whole thing could be moot, Fishbein said, in light of the fact that in eight months there will be a new administration, council and school board elected."
Record Journal: "Firefighters have new contract after lengthy talks in Wallingford"
"'When this contract or any contract is negotiated, there’s two sides at the table,' Fishbein said. 'There’s management, and there’s the union that represents collectively the firefighters. But from my perspective there’s no one represents the individual firefighter.' The contract appears to limit what a firefighter can do on their own, Fishbein said. 'If an individual firefighter has a problem with their employment and they want to file a grievance ... the way I read it is the individual firefighter doesn’t have the right to file a grievance. It’s only the union that can file a grievance on behalf of that firefighter,' Fishbein said. 'If the union decides to file that grievance on behalf of the employee, the resolution is not what the individual firefighter thinks is satisfactory, it’s what the union thinks is satisfactory. Once again, the individual firefighter is not part of the process.'"
Record Journal: "Audio confirms police station architect advised making report ‘disappear’"
"Town Councilor Craig Fishbein brought up the issue at the Jan. 10 Town Council meeting during a discussion on a proposal to form a maintenance committee that will inspect and report back on conditions at municipal meetings. Fishbein said he was "troubled" when he read the minutes of the Oct. 13 Police Station Steering Committee meeting, which reported that architect Brian Humes of Jacunski Humes Architects of Berlin said he advised the committee to make that report disappear. The recording of the meeting confirms what Humes said — that he recommends the report disappear."
Record Journal: "Records: Architect suggested making environmental report ‘disappear’"
"During a discussion on a proposal to form a new town maintenance committee that would monitor conditions at town meetings, Republican Craig Fishbein on Tuesday expressed concerns about not only existing buildings, but the future police station, pointing to minutes from an Oct. 13, 2021 Police Station Steering Committee meeting. ... 'From my perspective, the only reason government would excise itself of this ordinarily public information would be to avail itself of liability should an employee of the town (here police officers and staff) be diagnosed with cancer and make a claim that it was caused by a known condition,” he said. “Government would respond with, ‘you have no proof’ because government had made that proof ‘disappear.’ I, for one, do not support such clandestine activities — neither in public or in private.'”
My Closing Statement from the 2021 WCW Town Council Candidate Forum
At the end of the forum, each of the candidates is given an opportunity to make a closing statement about their campaign, platform and such. Always a challenge, I try to make mine different. I hope that it meets with general (or a very least the majority's) satisfaction.
2021 WCW Town Council Candidate Forum - Question Three
Karla Santos, from the Record Journal's Latino Communities Reporting Lab asks, "The police department has many open officer positions. Other towns budget a dollar a month for FTE [Full-Time Equivalent] to avoid over funding. Is that something Wallingford should consider come budget time?" Here is a link to my response: https://youtu.be/_i0UHPNrljY
2021 WCW Town Council Candidate Forum - Question Two
Lauren Takores, of the Record Journal asks, "The Council had thirty-two days to review the municipal host fee agreement with Gotspace to build the datacenters. That's a pretty speedy push-through. Who does that ultimately benefit?" Here is a link to my response: https://youtu.be/KUPmaYKbEl8
2021 WCW Town Council Candidate Forum - Question One
Guest on the "Citizen Mike" Show on WPAA
It was nice to be this week's guest on Citizen Mike for (what I believe) is the last show before the election. We discussed the Mayor's plan to hire a consultant regarding how to spend the $13M in federal COVID relief funds, as well as the significant delay in paving the Wallace Avenue lot that was approved in January.
Letter to Editor of Record Journal "Support for Fishbein" - 9/18/2021
Letter to Editor of Record Journal "Re-Elect Fishbein" - 9/11/2021
Record Journal: "Wallingford to receive $13M in federal COVID relief funds"
“Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. said Tuesday that the town is working on a plan to disburse the money locally to help people recover from losses due to the pandemic — from individuals who were unemployed to small businesses and nonprofits. ‘We are looking to set up a program that allows for applications for funding,’ Dickinson said, ‘and review those applications, and hopefully award a grant to assist in those circumstances.’”
Record Journal: "First look at Wallingford’s proposed zoning reg changes to allow data centers"
"... The setback requirement against any border with a residential property or zone would be 150 yards, and include a 100-foot landscaped or natural open space buffer with an earthen berm at least 6 feet tall. Evergreen or native trees must be planted every 10 linear feet along the outside of the edge of the berm to provide extra screening. All substations would be screened with fencing and evergreen trees not taller than 10 feet ... ."
(NEW) POLICE STATION NEWS
ANIMAL SHELTER UPDATE (ACO Gibbs Requests AC in Kennel Area)
Below please find the report and request by the town's new Animal Control Officer, in support of installing the air conditioning that the Town Council unanimously approved a few weeks ago. #Finally #Godpeed (Just in time for fall.)
Town Council Passes Resolution to Add Air Conditioning to Animal Shelter
"Heartfelt Thanks" - A Letter to the RJ Editor 8/13/2021
From the Record Journal Newspaper - 8/13/2021
ANIMAL SHELTER UPDATE (Upcoming Meeting of the Town Council Ordinance Committee)
ENDORSED for a SIXTH TERM on the Wallingford Town Council!
On... to... NOVEMBER!
ANIMAL SHELTER UPDATE (2014 Memo)
ANIMAL SHELTER UPDATE (Mayor's Press Release)
Deputy Chief Ventura named Wallingford’s new police chief #BackTheBlue
WALLINGFORD — Deputy Chief John Ventura will succeed the retiring William Wright as the town’s new police chief, Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. announced on Monday. Ventura “possesses the knowledge, experience and temperament to lead our police department," Dickinson said in a statement released by his office. Wright will retire by July 1 to become director of operations at Choate Rosemary Hall. He announced his intention to retire in April.
A PRETTY GOOD Summer Reading List for Children
With no homework or school to worry about, summer can be the perfect time for kids and teens to crack open a great book. These must-read books are classics for a reason: They tell compelling stories with unforgettable characters. Whether they're in middle school or high school or just getting started on chapter books, kids, tweens, and teens can use this list to get a jump start on the year ahead. And parents can use it to learn more about the books teachers are assigning their kids over the summer and throughout the school year.
Here is the list: Summer Reading List for Children
Notice of an Important Town Meeting (Re: Data Centers), Tuesday, May 18, 2021!
Record Journal: "Wallingford’s looming budget vote could leave some residents in a pickle"
"The council voted 9-0 to approve a change in Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr.’s proposed budget that would allocate $60,000 to convert the four tennis courts at Harrison Park into eight pickleball-only areas. 'We have the money, so I would defer to the Parks and Recreation Commission to determine where (pickleball courts) would be best suited for the town,' Fishbein said."
Oakdale Theatre COVID-19 Vaccination Site Is Taking Walk-ins!
Please be advised that the vaccination site at Oakdale Theatre is taking walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Record-Journal: "Wallingford littering ordinance aimed at household trash dumping"
By Lauren Takores, Record-Journal staff
Record Journal: "Body cam shows Wallingford officer making ‘split second decision’ as armed suspect flees"
While some want to "defund the police," I do not. Many do not know the sacrifice that they and their families go through, not knowing whether or not they or their "family member in blue" will return safely at the end of their shift. Thank you, Wallingford Police Department for your efforts in keeping us safe. #BackTheBlue
Fishbein announces decision to seek re-election
From the Record Journal Newspaper - 4/15/2021
Editor: During the pandemic, various individuals have sought my help as a private attorney, to fight for their rights. Last spring, as a result of my legal representation, the federal courts ordered Governor Lamont to repeal his unconstitutional executive order that totally shut down the process to apply for a firearm permit. The governor complied within days, and that process was restored.
A few months ago, our attorney general agreed to vacate thousands of dollars in fines levied against one of my clients, a single mother with relatively no income, when it was proven that portions of the governor’s travel ban were legally unenforceable.
And, just a few weeks ago, as a result of our case which successfully challenged the legal process by which the governor mandated the wearing of face masks (as opposed to the general wearing of facemasks, no matter what my political opponents may claim), the court ruled his procedure unconstitutional, thereby causing the legislature to convene and vote to re-taking its position as a co-equal third branch of our state government.
As with representing my clients, as an elected official, I have fought for the principles of smaller government, lower taxes, and less interference in the day-to-day affairs of our law-abiding citizens, and that fight is apparently never-ending. With that in mind, I recently filed papers to run, once again, for a seat on the Wallingford Town Council, and have created a website for the campaign: www.fishbeinforcouncil.com.
Please know that I will not be accepting donations for this campaign. I respectfully request that any money you would consider donating you instead use to take your family out for a meal at one of our fantastic local Wallingford restaurants. They are the lifeblood of our local economy, and could use your support. Now, on to November!
Very truly yours,
Craig C. Fishbein, Wallingford